Supermarket shelves empty as fridges pack in during 35C heatwave… as farmers warn UK faces food shortages later this year

SUPERMARKET shelves have been left empty today after fridges packed in during 35C heatwave – as farmers warn Britain faces a food shortage.

Freezers and fridges have failed at supermarkets all over the country, as the UK swelters in record breaking heat.

The first half of summer is already the driest on record with record temperatures today sent tumbling as the mercury soared to 35C.

But while Brits have rushed to parks and beaches to make the most of the heat, the high temperatures have triggered a nightmare combination of conditions for farmers.

Following the driest first half of summer on record, farming leaders warned crops are being hit and livestock are having to be fed with feed that should be held for winter as grasslands are parched.

Ian Wright, director general of the Food and Drink Federation, told BBC Radio: “We’re going through the most extraordinary summer and we’re already seeing farmers struggling with crops, with feed for ruminants [cattle and sheep].

“There are vegetable shortages because there hasn’t been enough rain.”

Already, carrot growers have warned shoppers could see a shortage at the supermarket due to the hot and dry conditions.

The Chairman of the British Carrot Growers Association Roger Hobson told that it is “inevitable” that shoppers will see a price hike later this year thanks to the warm weather.

Shoppers could also see a shortage in onions due to the weather. 

And it could get even hotter, with a sizzling 37C forecast for Friday – creeping closest to the UK’s all-time heat record of 38.5C.

Today’s hot conditions saw Europe the hottest country in Europe.

But a short relief is in sight, with the Met Office predicting torrential downpours, accompanied by hail and strong gusts on Friday afternoon and into the evening.

The yellow weather warning will cover the south east of England, as well as northern and eastern parts of the country.

The hot weather has also sparked warnings for a “high” air pollution alert to be issued for London.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “This is the second time in six months that we have had to use the ‘high’ alert system and shows just why air pollution is a public health crisis.”

Children, the elderly and people with lung or heart problems have been advised to reduce strenuous exercise and physical exertion.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has been urged to set out what measures he is taking to make sure the NHS can cope with the heatwave.

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said hospitals are facing year-round pressures, saying “the traditional lull in NHS activity during the quieter summer months is a thing of the past”.

Blood supplies have dropped, health officials have said, saying some people have been too dehydrated to donate while others have chosen to stay in the sun.

MPs have warned heat-related deaths will treble by mid-century unless the Government takes action to tackle the dangers of soaring summer temperatures.